She Speaks Life - Women's Stories of Faith, Christian Women, Scripture Journaling, Christian Living

For those who have been disappointed when the "good life" let them down or discouraged by life's struggles, the goodness of God is trustworthy, life-giving, and everlasting. Jesus wants to lead you on a healing path to redeem your story and to make you whole.

Join me in this episode with best-selling author, popular radio host, and Bible teacher Susie Larson on a 40-day pilgrimage to explore God's invitation to flourish, heal, and know His peace in a way that changes us forever.  The words we say and the things we pray matter to God and to our health. Where we rest our gaze and how we think about God directly impacts the condition of our souls. Proverbs 14:30 states, "A heart at peace gives life to the body." God is well able to restore and renew us even when culture swirls around us.

Do you have a hard time believing that God is with you and is for you in life's messiest moments? Author Cynthia Yanof of Life Is Messy God Is Good: Sanity For The Chaos Of Everyday Life encourages us with how to reframe the challenges in our lives so we can see God at work for a greater purpose. We talk about pursuing those God given callings, aligning our reality with God's Word, getting rid of lies and comparison, and how to find hope in the middle of challenges while keeping the end in mind.

"God wants to use our messes to shape us and develop His greater message in us."- Cynthia Yanof.

Becky Beresford is the author of She Believed He Could, So She Did: Trading Culture's Lies For Christ-Centered Empowerment. She talks about stepping out of self-dependence that causes exhaustion, frustration, and confusion to a God-dependence that delivers freedom, confidence, strength, and peace.

Our culture has been lying to women. The world defines female empowerment as believing in yourself or looking within to find the power to succeed. But what happens when women grow weary from trying to do it all? Jesus offers a better way. Becky Beresford used to believe and even promoted some of society's lies to women. But in God's kindness, Becky came to the end of herself and embraced healing truth found in the Bible.

Tired and frustrated with self-dependence, Becky wants to be God-dependent. In She Believed HE Could So She Did, Becky invites you to join her as she dismantles commonly held misconceptions and lies so we can live in real freedom and godly confidence. This is a brave journey toward freedom as we learn to experience Christ-centered empowerment–not by believing in ourselves . . . but by trusting in our faithful God.

Becky devotes chapters to the most common messages promoted by our culture and gives readers dependable biblical truths grounded in the gospel:

Believe in Your God vs. Believe in Yourself

Speak THE truth vs. Speak Your Truth

Follow Your King vs. Follow Your Heart

You Be His vs. You Be You

The Future is Found Together vs. The Future is Female

And so much more!

Together we will discover how to rely on the Holy Spirit in order to battle cultural lies, put the enemy in his place, and live boldly for Jesus. We will be lifted of the burden to find strength in ourselves and reassured of the hope, joy, and power that comes from living in Christ. We don't have to be the savior of our own stories.

What cravings in life are holding us back from receiving true satisfaction that only God can give? Author and artist Angie Haskell talks about the roots and triggers of why we go after things excessively or harmfully to try and fill a need that only God can fulfill.

Angie is a published author of SugarCoated: Finding Sweet Release From Cravings That Control Us that delivers a guide to let go of the unhealthy cravings of the flesh to a path that leads to emotional, physical, and spiritual health.

Are you tired of what's happening in the world that contradicts Biblical principles?

Author, podcaster, and speaker Shayna Rattler is passionate about cultivating women to uphold Christian values and advance God's purposes, guiding them to mobilize others to blaze the same trail. We cover employing spiritual strategies to realign us to God's purpose and become a trailblazer for Christ in a culture that desperately needs holy fire!

Shayna has helped thousands of individuals and organizations around the world achieve personal growth and organizational excellence. She has received multiple awards, has published several books and has been featured in over 450 media outlets. Shayna is the award winning host of A God Shift Podcast and A God Shift TV show.

https://agodshift.com/

Donna Jones is the author of Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide for Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret. Donna is a national speaker, church planter, pastor's wife, and self-described "Bible-explainer" who has spoken in twenty-six states and on four continents. A graduate of UCLA with a degree in interpersonal communications, she hosts the weekly That's Just What I Needed podcast.

In this episode, Donna shares how to handle conflict in a Christ-honoring way. She focuses on the critical theme of constructive communication - expressing thoughts, feelings, and opinions with grace, truth, and no regrets. Rooted in biblical teachings, Donna offers practical advice to enhance various relationships, including those with spouses, family, friends, and coworkers. She shares how to handle challenging conversations effectively with peace to create harmony that glorifies God.

Donna illustrates her points through scripture and personal stories, providing support and encouragement. She equips us with the tools and mindset needed to navigate conflicts constructively, ensuring stronger and more fulfilling relationships.

Do you struggle with building a healthy legacy because of the unhealthy patterns in your upbringing?

No matter what has happened in the past or what mess you might be in today, you are not destined to carry on your family’s wounds, unhealthy behaviors, or toxic relationships. It doesn’t have to be this way. Your legacy can be different, and the change starts with you.

Kristen Hallinan is the author of Legacy Changer: Heal The Hurt, Redeem Your Story, Create Hope For Your Family. Kristen shares about how to understand the brain and body science of emotional wounds, view difficult relationships through God’s lens, set boundaries in your relationships biblically to increase your safety and freedom and create an actionable plan to profoundly impact your family for generations to come.

Have you ever wondered what being a woman of Godly influence means and how to maximize it in your home, family, friends, community, and world?

Diana Burks is the author of Wildfire: Ignite Your Influence and Impact Your World. In this empowering conversation, Diana dives deep into recognizing our God-given influence and intentionally making an impact for God's Kingdom. She shares insights with an anointing of the Holy Spirit on how to disciple effectively, control our thought life, eliminate untruths, live authentically in alignment with God's calling, and so much more! This episode is absolute FIRE! You will not be the same by the end of this message!:)

Diana is not only an author but also the passionate founder of G3 ministries (God, Girls, and Greatness), dedicated to building up and encouraging the next generation to walk with Godly confidence. Her conferences throughout the year deliver powerful encounters with The Lord, equipping individuals to live and lead in abundance in Christ Jesus. #g3 #dianaburks #godgirlgreatness #boldness #fearless

New Year, New Season! Let's kick it off by talking about marriage!

Marriage is beautiful, and it can also be challenging. What if you are in a season of frustration or brokenness and can hardly recognize the person you are with anymore? Join my conversation with Katie Walters as she talks about her marriage with Josh Walters and the choices they had to make to let either infidelity tear them apart or let God heal and restore them.

We dive into the breakdown process of staying together in their marriage using the acronym S.T.A.Y outlined in their newly released book called New Marriage, Same Couple: Don't Let Your Worst Days Be Your Last Days and how they walked through the trenches of pain to now encouraging others not to give up and letting God bring beauty from ashes. This episode is so full of hope as you hear about this couple's experience with the merciful and faithful God, who can make all things new if two people are willing to let Him take hold of the shattered pieces.

Elisa Morgan is the author of over twenty-five books, including Christmas Changes Everything. She has been featured in Focus on the Family, is an author for Daily Bread ministries, and has a podcast called God Hears Her. In this episode, we talk about the various people in the story of the birth of Jesus and how change can point us to say yes to God while believing with hope and joy! I pray your Christmas is filled with awe and wonder of His love, peace, and joy this season!

Are there times you struggle with accepting God's redemption and feel like your past is too ugly for God to use you?

This week's episode reminds us how God can use the messiest parts of our lives for His glory. I sat down with author and Bible teacher Shadia Hirichi, and we talked about Rahab from the book of Joshua in the Bible. You may know her as the prostitute, the one who hid the spies and the greatest one that she takes part in the lineage of Jesus.

But there is so much more to unpack about this story of Rahab that I have with Shadia as we chat about her Bible study, Rahab: Rediscovering the God Who Saves Me, and a personal account of her own at the end of our time together that I welled up in tears over. It's just about the most precious thing a person could experience, so listen till the end!

Shadia is graciously giving only podcast listeners a chance to win a signed copy of her study, Rahab. So take advantage of this exclusive offer now and hit this link right here:)

Welcome to a solo episode with me as we cover our contentment series to obtain more joy and peace in our lives!

In this episode, we are talking about the renewal of our minds because our minds so easily want to take off and do their own thing, but God gave us everything we need to live self-controlled. We just have to choose it. Join me as we dive into Romans 12:2, and learn what the renewal of the mind means and how we can live daily with the right thinking instead of stinky thinking.

Does the thought of mentoring someone make you feel inadequate? Learn from Nancy Lindgren, the founder of More Mentoring, an organization dedicated to mobilizing mentors with transformative courses and equipping them with tools and training for impactful mentoring relationships. She shares how to overcome insecurity and fear with mentoring and become a loving outpouring in someone else's life.

We talk about Nancy's book called Mentoring Made Real: The Power of Authentic Connection and the four foundational pillars of what mentorship is all about. She shares simple, effective ways to embrace mentoring others well and how we all need a mentor in our lives.

Moms in the workplace can often feel like a risk rather than an asset in their companies or deal with mom guilt and shame because they either want to or have to be a working mom.

It's easy to let anxious thoughts take over and allow our minds to drift into the negative. But as believers, we do have a solution to live without worry. In this episode, I share practical ways to give worrisome thoughts the boot for good!

*If you're looking for a journal to bring you an intimate encounter with the Lord, look no further. Serenity: Calm Your Soul & Strengthen Your Spirit is a personalized scripture journal to enhance your experience by drawing you closer to His Word. Inside are 5 topics with two weeks of scripture to insert your name within the verse. In addition, there are provided journal prompts for processing your thoughts in trusting and surrendering to Him. And so much more!

We've all walked through seasons where we've felt lonely, angry, and abandoned. We may have asked ourselves, does anyone see me? Does God even see me? But what if that time of obscurity is to grow a deep friendship with God and strengthen our faith in Him.

In this episode, I sit down with the incredible author Whitney Akin, to discuss her book, 'Overlooked: Finding Your Worth When You Feel All Alone.' Whitney shares her experiences and insights on overcoming feelings of being overlooked and finding your true source of attention and approval in God alone.

I love how Whitney shares that the desire to be seen is not wrong. In fact, God created us to be seen, but only by Him will it ever be enough! Whitney gives us practical ways through various characters of the Bible that we can start applying today to trade feeling overlooked for a lifestyle of living seen.

Are you having trouble focusing on a daily quiet time with God?

I sit down with Jen and A.J. from SoJo Acadamy, a ministry to empower and equip women in their walk with Jesus, to discuss ways to establish consistency in our quiet time with Him. They give a how-to approach to different ways to study the Bible and focus our attention on God, not our to-do list swirling in our minds when we sit with Him. These practical tips are great to establish today to draw us closer to God and His plan for our lives.

Have you ever been confused, disappointed, and maybe even rejected from where you thought you were heading to something that now looks different? Perhaps you feel stuck and empty, not knowing your purpose. But what if that momentum loss or interruption is a set-up to see God do something more significant than we could ever imagine?

This conversation with author Hope Reagan Harris of Purpose Doesn't Pause: Finding Freedom From What's Holding You Back is loaded with how to navigate life's unexpected turns of events and the true meaning of purpose. Hope gives us her story of when she felt stuck and confused with life and walks us through how not to let our emotions of comparison, mistreatment, and expectations from others get in the way of God's opportunities for us.

Hope not only launches the book this week but is also doing The Purpose Doesn't Pause Movement!!! God gave her a dream to offer her book for free for all women. She has linked arms with nonprofits such as Hope Rising and many others. You'll hear all about it in the episode, and if you'd like to be a part of it, hit the link below!

Today, I have author Melissa Johnson of Soul Deep Beauty: Fighting for Our True Worth in a World Demanding Flawless. Melissa is also the founder of Impossible Beauty, a blog and podcast dedicated to redefining beauty as “The life of God at work in us and among us.” She is a marriage and family therapist who has her own story of how God broke her free from the lies of a poor self-image to know her true worth in God. She talks about why we buy into the corrupt beauty standards that our culture pushes and how to be aware of how the beauty industry promotes insecurities among women. It was, for sure, an eye-opener for me as I will look at beauty advertising through a whole new lens!

We may have distractions keeping us from living to our full potential!

Author Katie Westenberg of "But Then She Remembered" shares the cost of being distracted and what we lose when we get comfortable living a life full of distraction. She talks about the difference between interruption and distraction, how distraction relates to perfectionism, how to live in the moment, and how to prepare and overcome distractions when they arise. By the end of this episode, you'll be able to identify your distraction and take heed of the value in what's eternal—remembering that God's Word keeps us from living in a distracting world.

New Look. New Season. Same Great Stories of Faith!

Have you ever thought about the broken places in our lives being made beautiful by God?

To kick off this new season, I have double the fun with Brittany Maher and Cassandra Speer. They are the founders of a huge global online community called Her True Worth that encourages women to know their identity and validation comes from Christ and Christ alone.

Britt and Cass are the authors of Her True Worth, and There's Beauty in Your Brokenness, in which we talk about popular topics such as self-image, not feeling good enough, the red-flag warnings of affirmation addiction, and how to break free from the affirmation culture we see today. We chat about God's grace and love for us regarding past mistakes and how to trust His plan even when it's difficult to understand.

I give a full disclosure in the beginning of our chat, I mean I don't think a podcast host would be so vulnerable?! Haha! Let's just say it mismatches and it includes a draw string..Lol! And listen to the very end, you won't want to miss it!

Does it feel like you're constantly struggling with worry? Worrying comes when we rely on ourselves to control the situation and not give it over to God. When we do this, the uncertainty of the future causes us to worry, disrupting our hope and peace. But the best part is that we belong to a God who is always in control, and we don't have to live in worry because He gives us the power to overcome it!

Keri Eichberger is the author of Win over Worry: Conquer What Shakes You and Soar With The One Who Overcomes. She shares her story of battling worry and how she unlearned the unhealthy patterns that produce worry. We talk about identifying worry, uprooting worry, releasing control, and using our God-given warrior weapons to banish the enemy of worry. Worrying is a pointless attempt to control the uncontrollable, and thank goodness we have God's sovereignty over every detail of our lives!

Have you thought about sharing your story but needed help with its why, what, when, and how? Author Kate Motaung of Share Your Story: The Transforming Power of Telling Others What God Has Done discusses why sharing is important and how we can begin. She dives into how nothing is too small or too big to be a voice to help others know God is for them. If you've been listening to this show for awhile than you know stories matter!

Revelation 12:11 (paraphrased) We have triumphed over the enemy by the blood of Jesus and by the word of our testimony that we didn't love our life so much that we shrunk back or were afraid to proclaim Jesus is the only Way, Truth, and Life.

Check out Kate's bundle offer!

Hollen Frazier is the president of All God's Children International, which places orphans into loving foster and adoptive families in the US and abroad. They prepare aging-out orphans to thrive outside of an institution through education and mentorship. AGCI creates policies to change broken systems for orphans and create clear paths to family and independence.

Hollen shares that following God's call doesn't mean it will be easy, but that if we stay the course, we will see God's faithfulness and provision as we let Him guide us. She has so many amazing stories wrapped into one episode that encourages us to keep running the race God has set before us. I specifically loved a story about a woman named Beti, how radically God transformed her heart, and how much she's making a difference in people's lives.

Click on the link below to find more info on this amazing organization and how you can get involved.

Michal Carlock is the founder of Her Promise Circle ministry, helping women find the thing they were created for and become the healthiest version of themselves to pursue it. She shares about seeing God's hand in her circumstances and the steps He provided to find meaning and purpose in her life. We talk about moving from lukewarm living to doing His will with a fiery passion for Him! Michal hosts a podcast called, Her Promise Circle and has a new book called, Get Ready for Love. It's a guide to healing and growth and empowers us with heartfelt prompts, prayers, and exercises.

Spoiler alert! Life is not all about us. We were made for His purpose, motivated to serve others because of what Jesus has done for us. I love talking about this with Mischelle Manis, founder of Reaching Souls International. This ministry has reached over 1 million salvation decisions and has planted over 50,000 churches in foreign countries. Mischelle shares how she started Reaching Souls International and how God carried her through by using this ministry when she tragically lost her son. She shares that our pain has a purpose and that our suffering is not for nothing. Her story reminds us that life is a vapor, our true home is with Jesus, and we all have an assignment on earth to share the gospel and make heaven populated!

Best-selling author Sandra Byrd has published over 50 books, many of which have received rewards and nominations. Her newest devotional, Dwell: 90 Days At Home With God, are stories of real life from her home and garden with biblical insights that deepen our faith. Sandra shares about the seasons of life and how the most difficult or dormant one can elevate us to believe that God is at work even if we don't see it. Her wisdom brings us a fresh look at scripture and how it relates to our lives, reminding us to hear His loving call and dwell in Him as He dwells in us.

Jenny Albers is the author of Courageously Expecting: 30 Days of Encouragement for Pregnancy After Loss. Jenny shares her struggle with fear and doubt of conceiving again after pregnancy loss. She talks about the courage to choose hope over doubt, trust God with the restoration, and that joy will come-even if. Jenny is passionate about encouraging women through their harrowing journey and contributes to Pregnancy After Loss Support and Her View From Home. If you or someone you know is walking through this, many resources and loving communities provide support. I have links for them below.

Dana Grimsley is the wife of former Major League Baseball pitcher for the Yankees, Jason Grimsley. Dana shares the evidence of God's grace and power in a marriage with a husband struggling with infidelity and substance abuse. After watching the movie War Room, Dana made her own prayer closet and circled prayers of healing and restoration over her husband. Her story is full of inspiration about how a praying wife invites God's power to change and rescue a failing marriage. Nothing is beyond God's repair! Jason has written a memoir called Cross Stitched: One Man's Journey From Ruin to Restoration, hoping to help other men not fall into the same sinful traps and encourage others that Jesus is the only one who gives everlasting fulfillment in life.

Anna Miriam Brown is the creator of His Story: The Musical, which is about the life of Jesus by melding a youthful voice with a timeless perspective of the most extraordinary story ever told brought into the third millennium. Produced by Tony Nominated Bruce Lazarus and Duck Dynasty Willie and Korie Robertson, this world premiere is a beautiful reminder of Jesus' universal power of love and redemption. Anna shares how she began songwriting at 16 years old on a missions trip in Africa and the dreams and passions God placed in her heart for this Musical to come alive at age 22! Her testimony inspires how God will equip us for whatever He calls us to as we take that active step of "yes" to Him and His faithfulness reveals.

His Story: The Musical plays in Dallas at the Grandscape's new state-of-the-art Broadway tent. You will want to check out the link to the tickets below!

Ines Franklin is the author of Uncharted: Navigating your Unique Journey of Faith, and she talks about when the current of doubts and storms of life roll in, how do we keep God at the helm of it all? How do we face the uncertainties of life with an active surrender that leads us to a faith of courage? Ines shares how to release control over to God through the connection between obedience, commitment, discipline, and relationship with Christ, and how to live abundantly. We talk about how to hear God through prayer and His Word, getting familiar with Him intimately. This is such a great conversation on how to be open to the unknown and embrace all that God has for us without hesitation!

So many of us can feel dissatisfied and empty emotionally, physically, and spiritually. We can be filling up and consuming all day; still, our souls are starving. Author Amy Seiffert of Starved: Why We Need a Spiritual Diet Change to Move Us from Tired, Anxious, and Overwhelmed to Fulfilled, Whole, and Free brings us her experience of feeling stuck and malnourished to a life of peace and purpose. Amy gives us steps to reject "spiritual junk food," the substitutes that never satisfy to bring us closer to Jesus with contentment, hope, and joy. She challenges us to eliminate the distractions in life that leave us weak, weary, and depleted to live content, spiritually healthy, and free to experience the goodness of Jesus. Gather your girls and do a spiritual diet change together with the Starved book and Starved Bible Study!!!

How do we embrace and walk in our purpose after a disappointment and find the courage to dream again? Daphne Johnson is the author of "She Said Yes, It's Time to Answer the Call to Purpose," and she shares about how to regain your footing when the dreams you had in your life get derailed and rediscover your confidence in God. After having her unexpected turns in life, she gained a passion for meeting women at their crossroads of transitions and empowering them to walk in their divine design with God.

Daphne is giving away her 7-day P.U.R.P.O.S.E. devotional to support and encourage us to use our God-given gifts to grow, serve, and be all that God created us to be! Click on the link below for her devotional and book!

Kristel Ward is the founder and director of Grace to Grow, a nonprofit that empowers ministers and supports women around the globe. She is an insightful Bible teacher and author of Grace to Grow: 40 Devotions to Release Anxiety and Dive Into Purpose. Kristel shares the moment her life came to an abrupt standstill and how she learned about the intersection of growth and grace. We talk about God's abundant grace and how to transform trials into spiritual growth, view difficult circumstances as divine opportunities, and embrace the journey God has set before us. This conversation is one of my ultimate favs; Kristel brings us fresh insights on scripture, and I could listen to her powerful and anointed teaching all day! Come join us!

Do you feel like you're in a constant battle with negative thoughts? Author and therapist Tracy Taris talks about how to identify and eliminate personal confusion and chaos caused by negativity to discover healing through the love and guidance of Jesus. Tracy shares about sifting through the competing noise that interferes with our Savior's voice and avoiding mental distress that the enemy causes. Her book, Many Voices One Truth, combines psychological tools, prayer techniques, and so much more to help us live fully in the Truth of God's promises of who He says we are. 

Elle Cardel is the founder of a community, ministry, blog, and podcast of Daughter of Delight, which reaches women with gospel-centered resources to grow in their faith. She talks about her miracle baby girl Selah and how God showed His faithfulness by saving Selah's life from a ventricle heart condition. Elle shares with us how she held on to God's promises and the emotions of going through such a tragic unknown season. This story displays so much power in prayer and how God is in every detail of our lives!

Susie Larson is a national speaker, best selling author, and the host of the daily talk show Susie Larson Live, heard on the Faith Radio Network. Susie has written twenty books, including Strong In Battle which is about gaining victory in our hardships, overcoming the obstacles of fear and the predictable lies by the enemy. In this conversation, Susie gives us practical strategies and powerful tools to live out the truth of the authority we have in Christ, and knowing we will see God move in His time and way. Get ready for a change in your mindset, you may want a pen and paper for this one...it is powerful! 

Carrie Stephens is the author of Holy Guacamole: A Glorious Discovery of Your Undeniable Worth and Jesus Love and Tacos: A Spicy Take on Lordship, Community, and Mission. She talks about the authority of Jesus in our lives, what is church for and the messy challenges of others, and what it looks like to be on mission to serve. Carrie and her husband were campus ministers at U.T in Austin for over ten years and they are pastors at Mosaic Church. 

Below is a snippet about her book Jesus Love and Tacos:

Shake off rote religiosity and tribalism with a spicy bite of God’s truth seasoned with an authentic connection to His love and His people.

“Let me do something for you.”
Carrie Stephens offers these words of hope from the heart of God in Jesus, Love, & Tacos as she uses vibrant metaphors and comical self-deprecation to tell the story of lordship, community, and mission. These three ancient values will offer you help and hope as they shape your spiritual life, define how to gather in unity, and lead you to God’s missional love in action.

The Forever Gift: Acts 1:1-2 Questions: What is the Lord speaking to you about the New Year? How does this devotional speak to you personally? 

The Manger's Invitation: Luke 2:11-12 Questions: What are some ways you need to be transformed by the Holy Spirit and do less judging, doing, and trying? How does this devotional speak to you personally?

Closed Doors and Crowded Inns Luke 2:7 Questions: What are some closed doors you experienced this year and where do you need to trust Him to open a better door for you? How does this devotional speak to you personally?

God is For Me Luke 2:13-14 Questions: What are some worship words or phrases that come immediately to your heart to glorify God? How does this devotional speak to you personally?

I'd Like to be a Shepherd: Luke 2:8-10 Questions: What are some small insignificant events in your life that God made profound and wonderous? How does this devotional speak to you personally? 

O' Little Town: Luke 2:4-5 Questions: What areas in your life you don't need to do more of, but that you just need more of Him? What speaks to your heart about Jesus being the Bread of Life? How does this devotional speak to you personally?

Look Up! Matthew 2:1-2 Questions: What are some things you are going through that you need His guiding light and be filled with His peace? How does today's devotional speak to you personally?